March 11, 2010

Volume 66, No. 21

THE PAN AMERICAN

March 11, 2010

TV star Longoria spices upcoming FESTIBA bill

By Brian Silva The Pan American Television star and South Texas native Eva Longoria Parker will speak in the evening portion of Community Day on March 27 as part of the Festival of International Books and Arts (FESTIBA).

The 34-year-old former model will push forward FESTIBA’s message of literacy and Mexican-American culture.

Longoria, who is a graduate of Texas A&M Kingsville, is said to be working on her master’s degree and taking a course in Hispanic Studies.

Dahlia Guerra, dean of the College of Arts and Humanities, said the actress’s visit is a wonderful opportunity for the university community because of Longoria’s heritage and success.

“I think it’s something exciting for our community,” the co-chair for FESTIBA said. “We all have it in us to

strive and succeed.”

Guerra said the central theme of FESTIBA is the impact of the impact of the Mexican Revolution on the region’s literature and art. The event is primarily funded through a $100,000 grant by the National Endowment for the Arts, with other funding coming from several other nonprofit organizations and local sponsors.

Guerra said the university is in a unique position to explore the subject of revolutionary art and literature,

because of the area’s cultural heritage.

She also pointed out the university is a hub of such art and literature.

“We’re going to present to the community that UTPA is a center of art, culture and literacy,” Guerra said.

As part of FESTIBA, the university will host a Congressional Roundtable on Hispanic Literacy to explore literacy issues in South Texas.

Panelists include U.S. Congressman Ruben Hinojosa (D-Mercedes), U.S. Congressman Chaka Fattah (D-Penn.),

U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-Laredo), UTPA President Robert Nelsen, author Peter H. Reynolds, Salvadoran novelist Manlio Argueta, and Carol Rasco from Reading is Fundamental.

Other events during the week will focus on childhood literacy and showcases of faculty and student research and work in the areas of arts and humanities.

“There’s going to be something for everyone at this festival,” Guerra said.

UTPA smoking rules addressed in HOP

By Alejandra Martinez The Pan American

In order to protect the campus community from second-hand smoke, The University of Texas-Pan American has revised its smoking policy in the Handbook of Operating Procedures (HOP).

The policy was originally approved in October 1990 by The University of Texas Board of Regents with the aim of creating a healthier environment for the whole campus. However, the policy wasn’t clear on a few key points. An upgrade was introduced

by Richard Costello, director of Environmental Health and Safety at UTPA, about three years ago and was finally approved last month.

The updated rule identifies the

areas of campus where smoking is prohibited. Places designated as nonsmoking areas include the inside of all buildings, all university vehicles, outdoor areas within 25 feet of a building entrance, and near any airintake unit such as an open window or any other place that could impact the air quality of the building. Other areas include stairways, courtyards, and seating areas for athletic events such as the UTPA tennis court and Edinburg Baseball Stadium, among others.

“If we do have a bench or an area where people smoke and we get complaints from the building occupants, we’ll evaluate the complaint and if we have to, we will move that area,” Costello said. “All the decisions are going to be made for all the non-

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Freddie Martinez /THE PAN AMERICAN

SMOKING ACES - Biryat Chiu smoking outside the entrance of the library on March 9. UTPA has recently updated its smoking policy instructing smokers to stay 25 feet away from most building entrances.

Waving the flag: Bronc soldier displaying school spirit in Iraq

By Naxiely Lopez The Pan American U.S. Army Specialist Christopher Wheat proudly flies The University of Texas-Pan American flag from a building in Iraq, where he is serving as a combat medic in hopes of healing hearts and minds.

The 28-year-old received his undergraduate degree from UTPA in Rehabilitation Services in 2008 and was working on a master’s in rehabilitation counseling before his second deployment sent him to

Page 2 - Big business might Commentary: Learning to have packed their bags, but report on left Mexican violence they never

Iraq.

Wheat, who first joined the Texas National Guard in 2002, says he has always enjoyed his service in the military and the sense of community and family one can find in such a close-knit group of people.

“I learned many things from my first deployment,” said the Mission native, who has traveled with the military to Japan, Kosovo, and now Iraq. “I’ve learned from the people around me, and at times, from my own self.”

Wheat says he choose rehab as a field of study largely because of his

Page 3 - Jobsearthquake after Chilean graduation becoming scarce

moves world

continued desire to work with and help fellow service members both on and off the battlefield.

“This was only more compounded when I would see fellow soldiers, friends, and loved ones return from deployments or combat who were faced with the difficult, if not daunting, task of readjusting to life beyond the experiences they faced while away from home,” he said.

“Things that an outsider looking in could never experience.”

According to the College of Health Sciences and Human Services,

rehabilitative services grads provide needed support to people with disabilities including those with physical, mental, emotional, and/or addiction issues.

“We work with them to find their strengths,” said assistant professor Charlene Blankenship. “We look at preferences, and from there we help them determine what type of career or training they need.”

Blankenship, who was one of Wheat’s professors before he was deployed, says that not all of the people they help are born with disabilities.

Some are injured while working, others while serving overseas.

Either way, it is their duty to help maximize employability, independence, and integration into the workplace and community for all clients.

Blankenship, who has been with the university since 2004, says people with degrees in rehab services usually become counselors, but can work in other areas such as case management, job development and placing, independent living, addictions

Foxy to perform Page 11 -Shazam Holiday gift guide

of volleyball wins PageA 14week - Q&Afull with player Rebecca Toddy for Bronc sports

Check the newspaper Web site for Spring Break news

March 17 in Mission

SEE SOLDIER || PAGE 6

March 11, 2010

2

Mexican violence alerts take root in new media Roxann Garcia News Editor

Residing so close to the U.S. and Mexican border has had its advantages and disadvantages. Benefits may include the low cost of medicine and good, wholesome Mexican tacos.

Now, however, those positives are being overshadowed by the violence that has erupted since 2006 when Mexican authorities declared war on the drug cartels. More than 16,000 people have died in Mexico since and the number is still rising.

Recent headlines are evidence enough of the hostility erupting in the area, but this week, the U.S. Department of State renewed a travel alert for all citizens and residents near the border.

Drug cartels and associated criminal elements have retaliated violently against individuals who speak out against them or whom they otherwise view as a threat to their organization. This was cited in the recent “Don’t go to Mexico” alert.

My main focus with all this animosity occurring so close to home is that reports are becoming increasingly vague. This is most definitely true with the Mexican media.

Now, who wouldn’t keep their mouth shut with all the violence occurring

Vol 66, No. 21

toward news outlets? It’s called selfcensorship, done for self-preservation.

This is a touchy subject and understandably so.

Journalists have a job to be done, should this mean risking one’s life? I believe something has to be done.

Standing on this side of the border makes it easy for me to say these things, of course. But even if I were on the opposite side, I would realize that there are other outlets that even the cartels are unable to stop. Believe it or not, Twitter is making an impact on the way news is reiterated to others in Mexico; reports of brazen gun battles throughout Reynosa surfaced almost minuteby-minute in the past several weeks, way ahead of the traditional media.

Tweeters have created @ Reynosafollow for those following or reportedly caught up in the violence, to allow them to exchange details.

Residents have asked for advice on when it was safe to come out.

Others highlighted specific streets that were especially dangerous.

My main point here is no matter the situation, doesn’t the public have a right to know? Why should we allow ourselves to be scared off with our tails between our legs? Getting creative with technology may be the answer.

March 11, 2010

Anthony Salinas / The Pan American

Cherish those who selflessly serve Brian Silva Editor in Chief

Editor in Chief

Brian Silva / brian.silva2@gmail.com News Editor

Roxann Garcia/ nevaeh09@msn.com Online Editor

Kristen Cabrera / kristenmichellecabrera@yahoo.com Arts and Life Editor

Andrielle Figueroa / j27ig@yahoo.com Sports Editor

Sara Hernandez/ sarahdzm@hotmail.com Photography Editor

Alma Hernandez / alma.e.hdz@gmail.com Senior Designer

Roy Bazan / rbazanzz@yahoo.com Adviser

Dr. Greg Selber / selberg@utpa.edu

Administrative Associate

Anita Reyes / areyes18@utpa.edu

Advertising Manager

Mariel Cantu/ spubs@utpa.edu

Webmaster

Jose Villarreal / josemvillarrealcs@gmail.com

1201 West University, CAS 170 Edinburg, Texas 78539 Phone: (956) 381-2541 Fax: (956) 316-7122

**Delivery** Thursday at noon The Pan American is the official student newspaper of The University of Texas-Pan American. Views presented are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect those of the paper or university.

letters to the editor The Pan American accepts letters of 300 words or less from students, staff and faculty regarding recent newspaper content, campus concerns or current events. The Pan American reserves the right to edit submissions for grammar and length. The Pan American cannot publish anonymous letters or submissions containing hate speech or gratuitous personal attacks. Please send all story ideas to thepanamerican@ gmail.com.

Individuals with disabilities wishing to acquire this publication in an alternative format or needing assistance to attend any event listed can contact The Pan American for more details.

While the world may be filled with selfish thoughts and actions, there are still some who remain steadfast and practice selfless giving.

A commitment to service is of the highest honor. Whether you’re a law enforcement officer, member of the military, serve on a government board or commission, or volunteer with a nonprofit, selflessly giving to the community should be a priority.

At the age of 15, I was a bit of a troublesome kid. I simply argued too much. But, a teacher noticed local politics sometimes filtered into my insatiable need to justify everything, and suggested I apply for an open position as Youth Representative on a youth commission in my city.

To my surprise, I got it. My first few meetings I was shy and reclusive.

Because I was surrounded by community leaders from all sectors of service, I was a little intimidated.

However, one, Vicky Alexander, a House Nurse at Driscoll Children’s Hospital in Corpus, approached me after a meeting, talked to me about my passions and offered a ride to meetings since we both lived on the

same side of town. A few months after I arrived she became chair, and was quite an ambitious leader.

The car rides several days a month turned into mentoring sessions. We worked on countless initiatives, through which she taught me the value of generosity and leadership.

She and her husband Stuart, a lieutenant with the Corpus police, were extraordinary people who lived their lives around service. In fact, it was her defense of police officers, and Stuart, that got her onto the policymaking scene. One day she was so upset with a decision by the police chief, Henry Garrett, she boldly told him to his face she disagreed.

Garrett, who would soon retire, run for election and win a spot on the city council (and later be elected mayor), encouraged her to channel her passions into the city’s commissions and boards.

The Alexanders’ commitment to advocating for youth was a light of inspiration to many, myself included.

One year ago today tragedy struck when Stuart was killed in the line of duty. A week ago his killer was given the death penalty after having been convicted of capital murder.

The officer gave the ultimate

sacrifice in selfless service to his community. Vicky gave her best friend.

The Alexanders gave so much of themselves, and there should be more of that type of person in the world.

I am grateful for their enduring support, mentorship and the nurturing of my will to achieve. Mine was just one life among many they influenced. She changed lives not only through her initiatives while on commission and boards, but also through her personal charity, clothing and feeding underprivileged children who visited the hospital.

The world owes a debt of gratitude to people like Vicky and Stuart. There are others out there who serve in such vital capacities.

If you know a student, faculty or staff members who give of themselves through such service, let them know they’re appreciated. Selfless giving comes in all forms, from defending one’s community and country to defending the underprivileged on a committee or board.

The value of service is something all can share and be a part of.

Those who hold steadfast to such a commitment should be cherished as heroes of their communities.

March 11, 2010

3

New flag ceremony instituted

By Roxann Garcia The Pan American

The University of Texas-Pan American hopes to begin a new tradition in conjunction with the Military Science Department. Every first Thursday of the month after labs, cadets along with their military professors will lower the U.S. flag at the flagpole outside of Student Services at 4:30 p.m.

No one knows with absolute certainty who designed the first stars and stripes or who made it, but speculation leads to two sources; Congressman Francis Hopkinson seems to have created the design while some historians note Betsy Ross, a Philadelphia seamstress, made the first flag.

“What we’re trying to do is establish what every other military post does,” Col. Christopher B. Rivers said, assistant professor of military science. “We want to start this new tradition in hopes that we can encourage bystanders to participate and learn what it means.”

During flag detail, soldiers arrive at 6 a.m. to perform duties at “Reveille,” which sounds at 6:30 a.m. signifying the beginning of the workday. When they come back at 4:30 p.m. to return the flag to its case, “Retreat” is played on the bugle to signal the end of the duty day. The detail lasts an entire

month.

“It would be nice to continue this day in and day out but the fact of the matter is we just can’t do that,” Rivers commented. “We just don’t see our cadets every single day; some have classes every other day.”

Once the flag is being raised in the morning, cadets are expected to stand at attention on the first note of “Reveille” and salute. In the evening “Retreat” is played prior to “To the Colors” (“Colors” refer to the flag of the United States). Upon hearing the first note of “Retreat,” cadets then come to the position of attention and face the flag.

When in a formation or a group, the senior soldier present will call the group to “Attention” and then “Parade, Rest” at the first note of “Retreat.” That soldier will then call the group to “Attention” and “Present, Arms” at the first note of “To the Colors” and then “Order, Arms” at the conclusion.

When in civilian clothing, the only change is to place the right hand over the heart instead of saluting.

Vehicles in motion are expected to stop and for those inside a car or on a motorcycle, they should dismount and salute, Rivers said.

“This is something, I feel, we should really start implementing here because of how much our ROTC has grown,” Rivers noted. “We have

now extended our program to UTBrownsville as well.”

The idea was originally proposed before Rivers’ tenure at UTPA began but did not gain steam at the time.

Recently when the tradition was again proposed to the Vice President for Enrollment and Student Services John Edwards, the plan seemed to resonate.

Edwards, known among his colleagues as the “Idea Man,” has conceptualized and implemented numerous new programs at UTPA since coming to the university in August 2000.

With his guidance and leadership, UTPA has added a Student Leadership Program, Child Development Center, Wellness and Recreation Sports Center, and an on-campus Veterans Services Center.

The department is currently looking into adding ammunition to the ceremony. It is definitely a priority for the cadets to be able to do so, Rivers noted.

“However, it is a process. We can’t just buy ammunition from a gun store; it just doesn’t work that way,” the colonel said. “There is a process that we as a university must go through in order to do so.”

Nonetheless, the cadets along with their military professors will began to implement the new tradition every first Thursday of the month at 4:30 p.m.

UTPA experts elucidate science behind recent earthquake spate

By Pamela Morales The Pan American Within the last three months, immense magnitude earthquakes have been recorded: Haiti, 7.0 of the Richter scale on Jan. 12, and Chile, 8.8 of the Richter scale on Feb. 27.

Both earthquakes caused devastating physical and emotional damages to the villages and cities around the epicenter. Though, the earthquake in Chile made another historic mark, the 24-hour day will now be shorten by a microsecond.

According to Dr. Nicolas Pereyra, a professor in the department of physics and geology who joined UTPA in 2007, the magnitude of the earthquake was massive but the effect of shifting of the rotation isn’t alarming and shouldn’t be taken as a red alert of any kind.

“We won’t notice the effect,” he said, “until a thousand of years down the road, at most.”

This accumulative effect will

take a microsecond a day from now on, which will eventually cause a new way of setting time.

“It’s like a spinning top,” Pereyra said. “Something touches it as it spins and it will affect the rotation rate but the earthquake in Chile was relativity small.”

Why the earthquake happened is explained by Dr. Juan Gonzalez, who joined the physics and geology department in September 2009. He said unlike Haiti where two plates (land or ocean floor) collide side-toside, Chile suffered an earthquake due to subduction, one plate going under another plate.

But no one can really explain what happens while such a phenomenon occurs unless it’s someone with firsthand experience. Although UTPA is thousands of miles away from Chile, a pen pal was kind enough to share her “surrealistic” two-minute horror.

Nicole Constanza Gomez Fuenzalida, a university student at

La Universidad de Concepcion, was asleep when she felt the floor move intensely back and forth at 3:34 a.m.

“It’s an unexplainable feeling,” Fuenzalida said. “You could hear the sound of (glass) cups breaking and things falling and moving from (the furniture).”

Fuenzalida’s family and most of Chile are taught to be prepared for an earthquake but instead of looking for ways to fully protect themselves, all they thought was to get out of the house.

The aftermath caused lack of access to water and destroyed hospitals and churches. People become desperate and began stealing around the most affected regions such as Maule and Bio Bio. Although Fuenzalida is lucky enough to regain electricity, much of the country still lacks electricity and water.

“Again, I’m thankful for your interest and prayers,” Fuenzalida wrote in Facebook message.

“Thank you.”

Alma Hernandez/THE PAN AMERICAN

RETREAT - ROTC cadets began a new tradition in lowering the flag on March 4. The university hopes to continue the ceremony every first Thursday of the month.

Latest Chat enlightens

By Lupe A. Flores The Pan American During a Student Government Association meeting three weeks ago at The University of Texas-Pan American, College of Science and Engineering senator Eliza Sebastian proposed to the University and Community Affairs Committee to turn left- over funds used from the upcoming Coffee-side Chat into small monetary incentives for senators with the most student input.

The concept was quickly dismissed when it was presented to the Senate, but the decision brought no worries.

According to senators like freshman Rigoberto Gutierrez, 18, there is no need for incentives of such kind; usually, the drive to reach out comes from within.

“I agree with it not passing because that is our job,” said Gutierrez, senator for the University Program Board.

“We sign up for it without a reward and it’s our duty.”

During the second and final Coffeeside Chat for the academic year Tuesday, senators were bustling outside the Union hoping to gather student input about suggestions and concerns.

Esther G. Herrera, senator for the College of Social and Behavioral

Sciences, said that the main concern she saw among students was the parking conundrum.

“It is an issue that administration has been working on for years… and students need to understand that it is going to take a while [to accommodate space for efficient parking for all],” she said.

Sebastian, a senior biology major who is also chair of the UCA, reiterated how parking is a problem present in universities across the United States.

The idea of building a parking garage on campus, which many students like, would increase parkingpermit costs from $250.00 to $500.00.

Despite student eagerness to alleviate problems finding spaces, most would probably be reluctant to pay the highcost purchasing fees.

Victoria Gomez, a senior rehabilitation services major from Pharr, said she understood “a parking garage is out of the question.”

However, she was not hesitant to voice a solution.

“They can buy the [for sale] houses near campus and turn the land into parking,” said the 21-year-old, who attended the chat. “Our school is 90

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March 11, 2010

NEWS

SOLDIER

continued from Page 1 counseling, vocational assessment, private practice, job skills training, and special education.

According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, a publication compiled by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, job opportunities for rehab counselors are in strong demand. And the growth of UTPA’s program has followed apace.

“In the past five years, our undergraduate program has grown from about 60 to 70 students, to close to 400,” Blankenship said.

She also said there was a need to form a student organization to help teach persons with disabilities on campus to advocate for themselves, and added that Wheat was involved in the process of coming up with one.

The organization is called The Council for Students with Disabilities, but Wheat refuses to allow himself too much credit.

“I was simply there when the movement was first making waves,” he said. “I helped band and create the ideals and foundation that CSD stands for.”

The organization’s motto is to seek positive change that will benefit both UTPA students with disabilities and their supporting communities.

The real credit, he says, should be

differently, even if you can’t.”

“It’s always hard to see and know that a fellow soldier is fighting their own personal war inside themselves, MILITARY DUTY Wheat is currently a combat but even harder when you know medic, but says he wears many hats. there is little you can do to help,” “To say I am simply the medic or Wheat said. “When you are thought Doc would be an understatement,” to heal the wounded, it is humbling and frustrating he said. “I am when faced with Doc to some, the Behavioral “ It’s always hard to see an injury that runs deeper than the Health Advocate to others, and and know that a fellow physical.”

W h e a t ’ s instructor to some soldier is facing their desire to help more.” overcome He is also a own personal war inside others their disabilities medical adviser perhaps came currently assisting themselves. ” from overcoming the Iraqi Army own. He was medical section in Christopher Wheat his born a premature both setting up and UTPA soldier in Iraq fraternal twin and running a clinic, had to undergo heart as well as training surgery. As a child, eight people. He says he works with mental issues Wheat was placed in special education classes throughout elementary and just as much as with the physical.

Wheat remembers a lesson he middle school, and still suffers from learned from a colleague on his moderate dyslexia and Attention Deficit deployment, who said to him, Hyperactivity Disorder.

“I have always enjoyed defying “You’re not just a medic. You’re Doc to these people. They come to what others believe to be my limits,” you thinking you can cure cancer, he said. “Even my own thoughts as and by God, don’t ever let Joe know to just how far I can make it in life, given to Elizabeth Hinojosa, a rehab colleague of his and the creator.

SMOKING

continued from Page 1 smokers that might be impacted.”

According to Costello, one of the smoking areas that complies with the 25-foot rule is right outside the library. However, if enough people complain about cigarette smoke, that safe haven for smokers might be moved, with non-smoking signs going up there.

Costello is confident that people will comply with the non-smoking signs and respect the designated areas.

“This is not designed to be an abrasive policy,” he said. “I don’t think you’re going to see a situation where we’re going to be placing people under arrest whenever they decide to light up.”

The idea to fine smokers who didn’t comply with the policy was thought about at

some point, but didn’t fly, said the director.

“What we don’t want on this campus is to create an environment of fear, we’re hoping that when we put up the signs, people will comply with the policy,” he added.

Statistics say that 85 out of 100 people who die of lung cancer are smokers. A cigarette has over 20 different chemicals in it that cause cancer, not to mention emitting levels of radiation.

“Second-hand smoking is a proven human carcinogen,” Costello noted. “Nowadays it’s difficult for me to believe that anyone who smokes a cigarette doesn’t know that. There’s no reason why people who don’t smoke should be exposed to that.”

whether it is in physical endurance or my own educational abilities.”

SOURCE OF PRIDE Wheat, who was enrolled in two of Blankenship’s classes, Job Placement and Assessment and Vocational Evaluation, e-mailed her a photograph in January that still makes her smile. It was a picture of a UTPA flag waving over a building in Iraq with a single line that read, “Thought you might like this.”

“I e-mailed him back asking if I could share his picture, and he said yes. So I passed it down to the dean, and somehow it made its way around Pan Am,” Blankenship said, adding that the picture was printed, framed, and now hangs in the department.

Wheat says he asked his parents to purchase a flag from the University Bookstore and mail it to him because he is proud to be a UTPA alumnus.

He says he’s had different reactions from people about the flag.

Some have asked what UTPA stands for, while others simply give him thumbs-up in recognition.

“I think it says a lot about the university,” Blankenship said.

“It says that we are a big family, and that there is a connection

that is built between alumni the university. And I think Christopher definitely has connection to this school, and very proud of that.”

and that that I’m

FUTURE Wheat hopes to come back to school as soon as his deployment is over and plans to finish his master’s within two semesters after his return.

He adds that higher education is of great importance to his family, and teases about being in an educational race with his twin sister, who also graduated from UTPA. She has a degree in education and master’s in library science.

“She works as the reference librarian at UTB,” he said, and jokingly added, “feel free to hiss.”

His parents like to remind him that he has yet to catch up with her in attaining a graduate degree, and he says they are anxious to see who will be the first to start and finish their Ph.D. Wheat hopes he can continue to help his fellow servicemen and women by some day working with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, a job Blankenship believes is perfect for him.

March 11, 2010

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COFFEE

continued from Page 3 percent commuter and that seems like a solution that they haven’t done anything about.”

Other concerns written down and addressed to senators were issues with the printing quota, an ongoing trouble with Wi-Fi connection, as well as the lack of school spirit.

As for the latter, Herrera said, “students want more events at the quad and around campus.”

Sebastian mentioned that some suggested changes are currently being studied.

“Some students [want] to extend the shuttle bus hours, which actually we are currently working on,” she said.

On an over-sized Post-it pad headlined “Make Your Voice Heard,” an anonymous student wrote, “More hours at the library.”

Not necessarily addressing the anonymous writer, Sebastian added that the SGA took surveys to get feedback on a 24-hour library.

“It’s a long-term plan that we are looking at,” she said. “If it happens then the first floor of the library will be open for 24 hours for the students to use.”

The theme of the event seemed to be selflessness, as the senators repeatedly said that the incentive

idea that failed does not bother them in the least; they are in this organization for the positive effects it has on students.

Janet Zallar, a senior biology major from Edinburg, said before she was involved in student government, there was not much to do in her spare time.

“Once I became a senator, I began filling my time with important, meaningful duties. Now, I’m good,” she said.

Regarding the rejected incentives for senators weeks ago, Zallar said she would not accept any form of recompense.

“Knowing what I am doing is enough for me,” said the 22-year-old.

“We are student representatives… our job is we are here to represent the student body, with nothing in return.”

One of her colleagues reiterated that point.

“When we become senators, we need to take initiatives upon ourselves,” said Erica Perez, a counseling and guidance graduate student, SGA secretary, and senator at large. “We have an end-of-the-year banquet and give a senator-of-the-year award. That’s when our senators get recognized for their excellence.”

Alma Hernandez/THE PAN AMERICAN

WHEEL OF FORTUNE - Khushbu Raval (left), a biochemistry freshman, and Richard Garza, a criminal justice junior, watch as Orly Villarreal spins the wheel for a prize at the SGA Coffee-Side Chat Tuesday.

THE PAN AMERICAN

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March 11, 2010

THE PAN AMERICAN

March 11, 2010

Monday 1:10 - 3:10 pm “Contemporary Border Writers and the Mexican Revolution.”

Location: Student Union Theater

Tuesday

Wednesday

1:10 - 2:25 pm “New Voices of El Valle” Gallery Readings Location: BUSA 111

1:10 - 2:25 pm “Roundtable of UTPA Mexican American Studies” Location: COAS 250

1 pm Location: Clark Gallery Opening Reception: Wednesday, March 24th, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

March 22-27 Art Exhibit: “Journey of the Contemporary Mexican Print” Speaker: Reynaldo Santiago Guest Artist: Maestro Alejandro Alvarado Carreño

Wednesday March 2010 Exhibit: “Masters of the Night: The True Story of Bats” Location: UTPA Visitors Center

Location: University Gallery

Thursday

Friday

March 25-26 XXI International Spanish Symposium: “Celebrating the Artistic Representations of the Mexican Revolution - 1910”

March 8-31 Library Presentation: “Famous Films about the Mexican Revolution Movie Poster Exhibit” from the Agrasanchez Film Archive

Location: Education Building Borderlands Room 3.204

Location: UTPA Library Lobby and First Floor Art Gallery

2:00 - 4:00 pm “Ten Minute Play Festival” Location: FIAC 103

4 pm

9 am

9:00 - 10:00 am “Border Music: Conflict, Resistance and Identity” Location: Fine Arts Auditorium 9:45 - 10:35 am “Within the Skin: A Look at the Humanity in Gothic and Science Fiction” Location: COAS 253

10:00 - 12:00 pm “Border Music: Conflict, Resistance and Identity” Location: FIAC 103

10:30 - 11:50 am “Strumming Rhythms: Variations of the Guitar Associated with Folk and Popular Genres in Latin America and the Different Patterns Performed in the Mexican Vihuela” Location: FIAC 103

4:00 - 6:00 pm “The White Man’s Burden...”

Location: EDCC 1.102

4:00 - 5:30 pm “Darfur Crisis and Genocide” Location: SBS 101

4:30 - 6:00 pm “Women’s Studies Minor Roundtable” Location: COAS 146

4:30 - 7:00 pm “Literature and Creative Writing Showcase” Location: SBS 111

12:00 - 1:30 pm Big Read: Sun, Stone & Shadows Location: Student Union Theater (Reception follows)

12:00 - 1:00 pm “Breaking Down Borders: Express Your Culture” Open Mic Location:Library Courtyard West

12:00 - 1:00 pm Book Talk: Audiotopia. Music, Race, and America Location: FIAC 103

6 pm 7 pm

12:00 - 3:00 pm “Open Studio Tours” by the Department of Communication Location: Radio/TV Studios

12:00 - 1:00 pm HAUSER LECTURE: “It’s all in the Communication; Using Humor to Achieve Better Health” Speaker: Melissa Bekelja Wanzer Location: Jeffers Theatre (Reception follows)

4:30 - 7:00 pm “Communication Faculty Research Spotlight” Location: COAS 351

Community Festival Main Stage Entertainment Begins!

4:30 - 5:30 pm “Immigrant Responses to Anti-Mexican Sentiments During the Time of the Revolution” Location: HSHW 1.138

4:00 - 10:00 pm Book Fair by Follett with a build-abook activity, a famous children’s book character, and more activities

4:30 - 7:00 pm “Democracy and Revolution” Location: Museum of South Texas History

4:00 pm and every half hour The Art of Light show Location: Library Media Theater

5:45 - 7:00 pm “Ceative Writing and Social Action Presentation and Workshop” Location: COAS 186

5:00 pm Harvesting the Voice of the Migrant: Cosecha Voices:UTPA migrant students share their testimonies and digital stories about growing up in a migrant framworker family.

Location: Student Union Theater

5:00 pm Puppet shows (“The Tongue Cut Sparrow” and “The Elephant’s Child”) Location: Book Fair by Follett at the HPII Building

6:00 - 8:00 pm FESTIBA Opening Reception Remarks by UTPA and City officials Location: UTPA Visitors Center

6:00 - 7:00 pm Guest Artist Performance by Felicia Moye, Violinist Location: FIAC 103

6:00 - 9:00 pm Exhibit: “Virtues” Presenter: Donna Sweigart Location: Clark Gallery

6:00 - 9:00 pm Mariachi Vocal Competition Location: Fine Arts Auditorium Open to the public, free admission

6:00 - 7:00 pm Performance by Mariachi Vargas Location: FESTIBA Main Stage

6:00 - 7:00 pm “The Impact of the Mexican Revolution on Spanish in the United States” Location: HSHW 1.404

7:00 pm NEH Lecture on “Mexico: The Underestimated Revolution of 1910” Location: Museum of South Texas History

7:10 pm NEH Presentation on “Film Viewing and Commentary on Women Revolutionaries” Location: SBS 111

7:00 - 9:00 pm Guest Artist Performance: Violin Master Class by Felicia Moye Location: FIAC 103

7:30 - 9:00 pm UTPA Distinguished Speaker Series Speaker: Luís Alberto Urrea Location: Fine Arts Auditorium

7:00 - 10:00 pm Student & Faculty Presentation: “Ten Minute Play Festival” Location: FIAC 103

6:00 pm Puppet shows (“The Tongue Cut Sparrow” and “The Elephant’s Child”) Location: Book Fair by Follett at the HPII Building 7:00 pm NEH Lecture on “The American Revolution as a Civil War” Location: Museum of South Texas History

7:00 - 7:15 pm Q&A with Eva Longoria Parker Location: FESTIBA Main Stage Open to the general public

8 pm

12:00 - 1:10 pm “Interpersonal Relationships and Human Communication” Location: COAS 351

12:00 - 1:00 pm Faculty Presentation: “An Introduction to the Basic Aspects of Flash Animation” Location: ACAS 2.126

4:30 - 5:30 pm “The Mexican Revolution and the Literary Production of US Hispanics” Location: COAS 172

5:45 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

“Dusting off the Years: Protecting your Precious Documents” Location: SBS 109

11:45 am - 12:45 pm “Poesia Fronteriza” Location: COAS 254

12:00 - 1:30 pm Sylvia M. Domínguez Distinguished Lecturer Series: NEH Lecture:“Celebrating the Literature of the Mexican Revolution” Location: Library Media Theater (Reception follows)

2:30 - 4:00 pm “Writers’ Bloc Presents: Con La Pluma en la Mano (With a Pen in Hand)” Location: SBS 105

3:00 - 5:00 pm “The Decline of Positivism and the Mexican Revolution” Location: Museum of South Texas History

5 pm

10:30 am - 12:00 pm “Repression or Revolution:The Female Vampire Past and Present” Location: COAS 255

2:00 pm “Mexican Revolution’s Impact on European 20th Century” and Sergio Leone’s Once Upon A time…The Revolution (1971) Location: Student Union Theater

8:00 - 9:00 pm Performance by Mariachi Vargas Location: FESTIBA Main Stage Open to the general public

9 pm

10 am 11 am

10:30 - 12:00 pm NEH Art History Symposium: “The Impact of the Mexican Revolution on Mexican and Latin American Art and Cultural Politics” Location: FIAC 103

12:00 - 1:00 pm Student Presentation: “Hauser Presentational Speaking Contest” Location: University Gallery

12 pm

10:45 - 11:35 am “Gender and the Mexican Revolution” Location: COAS 254

2:00 - 4:00 pm “Ten Minute Play Festival” Location: FIAC 103

3:15 - 5:00 pm “The Virgen de Guadalupe: Religion, Resistance, and the Arts” Location: Student Union Theater

10:00 - 11:00 am UTPA Library Presentation: “Coffee House Reading” with Stella Pope Duarte Location: Library Faculty Lounge 10:40 - 12:00 pm “Revolutions in the Middle East” Location: UTPA Ballroom

1:30 - 2:30pm Student & Faculty Presentation: “Mouthfeel Press Poetry Reading featuring Katherine Hoerth” Location: SBS 105

2:30 - 4:00 pm “The Mexican Revolution as Experienced by the Artists” Location: Fine Arts Auditorium

3 pm

9:00 am - 2:00 pm Mariachi Middle School and High School Group Competition Location: Fine Arts Auditorium $5 admission fee

9:10 - 10:25 am “Race, Violence, and Ethnicity in the US-Mexican Borderlands” Location: BUSA 113

1:00 - 1:30 pm “Little Louie” Reading/Book Signing Location: SBS 105

2:30 - 4:00 pm Student & Faculty Dramatic Lecture Presentation: “Ruinas” Location: Student Union Theater

7:30 am - 8:00 pm COAH/PACE Student Conference Location: UTPA Ballroom 8:00 am - 6:00 pm Conference: “Global Peace Through Grassroots Islamic Organization?

Exploring the Gülen Movement” Location: UTPA Ballroom

1:10 - 2:30 pm “Blood Lust: Undergraduate Scholars Bite into the Literary Vampire” Location: COAS 254

Saturday

1:10 - 2:30 pm “Revolution in the Rear-view: Perspectives on China’s 20th Century” Location: SCIE 2.104

Saturday

Opening: March 23, 6:00 pm

Friday

1:10 - 2:25 pm Student & Faculty Presentation: “Poetry & Prose of Witness and Experience” Location: COAS 184

2 pm

March 22-27 Art Exhibit: “Virtues” Artist: Donna Mason Sweigart

Tuesday

8 am

7 am

All Week

Monday

Thursday

Page 9

9:00 - 10:00 pm Performance by Alacranes Musical Location: FESTIBA Main Stage Open to the general public

NEH Lectures & Presentations

Student & Faculty Presentations

THE PAN AMERICAN

Page 8

March 11, 2010

THE PAN AMERICAN

March 11, 2010

Monday 1:10 - 3:10 pm “Contemporary Border Writers and the Mexican Revolution.”

Location: Student Union Theater

Tuesday

Wednesday

1:10 - 2:25 pm “New Voices of El Valle” Gallery Readings Location: BUSA 111

1:10 - 2:25 pm “Roundtable of UTPA Mexican American Studies” Location: COAS 250

1 pm Location: Clark Gallery Opening Reception: Wednesday, March 24th, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

March 22-27 Art Exhibit: “Journey of the Contemporary Mexican Print” Speaker: Reynaldo Santiago Guest Artist: Maestro Alejandro Alvarado Carreño

Wednesday March 2010 Exhibit: “Masters of the Night: The True Story of Bats” Location: UTPA Visitors Center

Location: University Gallery

Thursday

Friday

March 25-26 XXI International Spanish Symposium: “Celebrating the Artistic Representations of the Mexican Revolution - 1910”

March 8-31 Library Presentation: “Famous Films about the Mexican Revolution Movie Poster Exhibit” from the Agrasanchez Film Archive

Location: Education Building Borderlands Room 3.204

Location: UTPA Library Lobby and First Floor Art Gallery

2:00 - 4:00 pm “Ten Minute Play Festival” Location: FIAC 103

4 pm

9 am

9:00 - 10:00 am “Border Music: Conflict, Resistance and Identity” Location: Fine Arts Auditorium 9:45 - 10:35 am “Within the Skin: A Look at the Humanity in Gothic and Science Fiction” Location: COAS 253

10:00 - 12:00 pm “Border Music: Conflict, Resistance and Identity” Location: FIAC 103

10:30 - 11:50 am “Strumming Rhythms: Variations of the Guitar Associated with Folk and Popular Genres in Latin America and the Different Patterns Performed in the Mexican Vihuela” Location: FIAC 103

4:00 - 6:00 pm “The White Man’s Burden...”

Location: EDCC 1.102

4:00 - 5:30 pm “Darfur Crisis and Genocide” Location: SBS 101

4:30 - 6:00 pm “Women’s Studies Minor Roundtable” Location: COAS 146

4:30 - 7:00 pm “Literature and Creative Writing Showcase” Location: SBS 111

12:00 - 1:30 pm Big Read: Sun, Stone & Shadows Location: Student Union Theater (Reception follows)

12:00 - 1:00 pm “Breaking Down Borders: Express Your Culture” Open Mic Location:Library Courtyard West

12:00 - 1:00 pm Book Talk: Audiotopia. Music, Race, and America Location: FIAC 103

6 pm 7 pm

12:00 - 3:00 pm “Open Studio Tours” by the Department of Communication Location: Radio/TV Studios

12:00 - 1:00 pm HAUSER LECTURE: “It’s all in the Communication; Using Humor to Achieve Better Health” Speaker: Melissa Bekelja Wanzer Location: Jeffers Theatre (Reception follows)

4:30 - 7:00 pm “Communication Faculty Research Spotlight” Location: COAS 351

Community Festival Main Stage Entertainment Begins!

4:30 - 5:30 pm “Immigrant Responses to Anti-Mexican Sentiments During the Time of the Revolution” Location: HSHW 1.138

4:00 - 10:00 pm Book Fair by Follett with a build-abook activity, a famous children’s book character, and more activities

4:30 - 7:00 pm “Democracy and Revolution” Location: Museum of South Texas History

4:00 pm and every half hour The Art of Light show Location: Library Media Theater

5:45 - 7:00 pm “Ceative Writing and Social Action Presentation and Workshop” Location: COAS 186

5:00 pm Harvesting the Voice of the Migrant: Cosecha Voices:UTPA migrant students share their testimonies and digital stories about growing up in a migrant framworker family.

Location: Student Union Theater

5:00 pm Puppet shows (“The Tongue Cut Sparrow” and “The Elephant’s Child”) Location: Book Fair by Follett at the HPII Building

6:00 - 8:00 pm FESTIBA Opening Reception Remarks by UTPA and City officials Location: UTPA Visitors Center

6:00 - 7:00 pm Guest Artist Performance by Felicia Moye, Violinist Location: FIAC 103

6:00 - 9:00 pm Exhibit: “Virtues” Presenter: Donna Sweigart Location: Clark Gallery

6:00 - 9:00 pm Mariachi Vocal Competition Location: Fine Arts Auditorium Open to the public, free admission

6:00 - 7:00 pm Performance by Mariachi Vargas Location: FESTIBA Main Stage

6:00 - 7:00 pm “The Impact of the Mexican Revolution on Spanish in the United States” Location: HSHW 1.404

7:00 pm NEH Lecture on “Mexico: The Underestimated Revolution of 1910” Location: Museum of South Texas History

7:10 pm NEH Presentation on “Film Viewing and Commentary on Women Revolutionaries” Location: SBS 111

7:00 - 9:00 pm Guest Artist Performance: Violin Master Class by Felicia Moye Location: FIAC 103

7:30 - 9:00 pm UTPA Distinguished Speaker Series Speaker: Luís Alberto Urrea Location: Fine Arts Auditorium

7:00 - 10:00 pm Student & Faculty Presentation: “Ten Minute Play Festival” Location: FIAC 103

6:00 pm Puppet shows (“The Tongue Cut Sparrow” and “The Elephant’s Child”) Location: Book Fair by Follett at the HPII Building 7:00 pm NEH Lecture on “The American Revolution as a Civil War” Location: Museum of South Texas History

7:00 - 7:15 pm Q&A with Eva Longoria Parker Location: FESTIBA Main Stage Open to the general public

8 pm

12:00 - 1:10 pm “Interpersonal Relationships and Human Communication” Location: COAS 351

12:00 - 1:00 pm Faculty Presentation: “An Introduction to the Basic Aspects of Flash Animation” Location: ACAS 2.126

4:30 - 5:30 pm “The Mexican Revolution and the Literary Production of US Hispanics” Location: COAS 172

5:45 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

“Dusting off the Years: Protecting your Precious Documents” Location: SBS 109

11:45 am - 12:45 pm “Poesia Fronteriza” Location: COAS 254

12:00 - 1:30 pm Sylvia M. Domínguez Distinguished Lecturer Series: NEH Lecture:“Celebrating the Literature of the Mexican Revolution” Location: Library Media Theater (Reception follows)

2:30 - 4:00 pm “Writers’ Bloc Presents: Con La Pluma en la Mano (With a Pen in Hand)” Location: SBS 105

3:00 - 5:00 pm “The Decline of Positivism and the Mexican Revolution” Location: Museum of South Texas History

5 pm

10:30 am - 12:00 pm “Repression or Revolution:The Female Vampire Past and Present” Location: COAS 255

2:00 pm “Mexican Revolution’s Impact on European 20th Century” and Sergio Leone’s Once Upon A time…The Revolution (1971) Location: Student Union Theater

8:00 - 9:00 pm Performance by Mariachi Vargas Location: FESTIBA Main Stage Open to the general public

9 pm

10 am 11 am

10:30 - 12:00 pm NEH Art History Symposium: “The Impact of the Mexican Revolution on Mexican and Latin American Art and Cultural Politics” Location: FIAC 103

12:00 - 1:00 pm Student Presentation: “Hauser Presentational Speaking Contest” Location: University Gallery

12 pm

10:45 - 11:35 am “Gender and the Mexican Revolution” Location: COAS 254

2:00 - 4:00 pm “Ten Minute Play Festival” Location: FIAC 103

3:15 - 5:00 pm “The Virgen de Guadalupe: Religion, Resistance, and the Arts” Location: Student Union Theater

10:00 - 11:00 am UTPA Library Presentation: “Coffee House Reading” with Stella Pope Duarte Location: Library Faculty Lounge 10:40 - 12:00 pm “Revolutions in the Middle East” Location: UTPA Ballroom

1:30 - 2:30pm Student & Faculty Presentation: “Mouthfeel Press Poetry Reading featuring Katherine Hoerth” Location: SBS 105

2:30 - 4:00 pm “The Mexican Revolution as Experienced by the Artists” Location: Fine Arts Auditorium

3 pm

9:00 am - 2:00 pm Mariachi Middle School and High School Group Competition Location: Fine Arts Auditorium $5 admission fee

9:10 - 10:25 am “Race, Violence, and Ethnicity in the US-Mexican Borderlands” Location: BUSA 113

1:00 - 1:30 pm “Little Louie” Reading/Book Signing Location: SBS 105

2:30 - 4:00 pm Student & Faculty Dramatic Lecture Presentation: “Ruinas” Location: Student Union Theater

7:30 am - 8:00 pm COAH/PACE Student Conference Location: UTPA Ballroom 8:00 am - 6:00 pm Conference: “Global Peace Through Grassroots Islamic Organization?

Exploring the Gülen Movement” Location: UTPA Ballroom

1:10 - 2:30 pm “Blood Lust: Undergraduate Scholars Bite into the Literary Vampire” Location: COAS 254

Saturday

1:10 - 2:30 pm “Revolution in the Rear-view: Perspectives on China’s 20th Century” Location: SCIE 2.104

Saturday

Opening: March 23, 6:00 pm

Friday

1:10 - 2:25 pm Student & Faculty Presentation: “Poetry & Prose of Witness and Experience” Location: COAS 184

2 pm

March 22-27 Art Exhibit: “Virtues” Artist: Donna Mason Sweigart

Tuesday

8 am

7 am

All Week

Monday

Thursday

Page 9

9:00 - 10:00 pm Performance by Alacranes Musical Location: FESTIBA Main Stage Open to the general public

NEH Lectures & Presentations

Student & Faculty Presentations

March 11, 2010

10

Brownsville holds Mexican Revolution film series Since 2010 marks the centennial anniversary of the Mexican Revolution and the bicentennial anniversary of Mexico’s The Brownsville Historical independence from Spain, the film Association, along with the Mexican series was a perfect fit. One of Consulate in Brownsville and Rogelio its goals is to help people better Agrasanchez, Jr. will screen the 1933 understand and appreciate Mexican movies. film “Enemigos” on “ H o p e f u l l y, March 14 at 2 this series will p.m. as a part of its inspire the Mexican Revolution “ Hopefully, this series audience to look film series. for more Mexican R o g e l i o will inspire the audience films to watch Agrasanchez Jr. and enjoy,” is the owner and to look for more Mexican Agrasanchez said. curator of The films to watch and enjoy.

“Mexican classic Agrasanchez Film films are worth Archive, a private Mexican classic films are watching for their collection that artistic values, and contributes to the worth watching for their also because they study of Mexican artistic values, and also give us a view cinema from the on our national 1920s to 1980s. because they give us a view traditions, history The idea for and social values.”

“The Revolution on our national traditions, The films in Film” series history and social values. ” that are being began after shown in the Agrasanchez gave monthly series a presentation Rogelio Agrasanchez Jr. are in Spanish about the Mexican Owner and curator with no subtitles, Revolution in The Agrasanchez Film Archive and some have cinema and novels been inspired by at the Brownsville novels.

Heritage Complex “All of these last November.

During the talk he showed scenes films go deep into the characters’ from a few movies and afterward, the conflicts and feelings, their personal relations and the social movement audience was left wanting more.

For some, “it was the first time they they were in the midst of. In had seen these movies since they were each of these movies one can see kids,” said Fernando Zamora, BHA individuals and groups facing the Revolution, being challenged and programs coordinator.

By Cecily Saldana the pan american

NBC series ‘Community’ was renewed for a second season. Executive Producer Dan Harmon filmed the cast while jokingly alluding to the cancellation of the show.

Kristen Stewart and Dakota Fanning play rockers Joan Jett and Cherie Currie of the Runaways.

If the music doesn’t fuel you to watch, then the rumored make-out scene between the actresses will.

Courtesy of The Agrasanchez Film Archive

VIVA MEXICO! - The Brownsville Historical Association teamed up with Mexican Consulate and Rogelio Agrasanchez Jr. to showcase three films celebrating the Mexican Revolution. transformed by it,” Argrasanchez explained.

“Moreover, one witnesses how the Revolution becomes a ruthless and immensely powerful movement that changed Mexico and its people forever.”

“Enemigos” was directed by Chano Urueta and is not suitable for children under 13 years of age. Agrasanchez will give a 15-minute speech before the film and refreshments will be served.

All viewings are free to the public and take place at the Brownsville

Heritage Complex located at 1325 E. Washington St. The association offers a student membership card which grants the cardholder free or discounted entrance to events and programs, as well as free admission to qualifying museums and facilities among other perks for only five dollars a year.

For more information call the Brownsville Heritage Complex at (956) 541-5560.

Coca-Cola quenches Spring Breakers’ thirst at SPI

By Pamela Morales the pan american

The White Stripes duo that is Jack White and Meg White are back with their latest album, ‘Under Great White Northern Lights,’ which will hit stores March 16.

A 101-year-old woman has grown a three-inch horn from her forehead. The horn is made of keratin, the same protein found in fingernails. Doctors explain this is normal for those who have extensive exposure to sunlight.

Finally, midterms are over and a relaxing weekend would do some good…or maybe a weeklong vacation would be better. Spring Break, perhaps? How about the Coca-Cola Beach on South Padre Island?

Starting March 7, South Padre Island and Coca-Cola will once again partner to renew a 15-year collaboration to create another threeweek of fun experience for college students from across the country. Five acres of beachfront will be dedicated for students to lay freely and relax, or join in the many activities planned throughout the period.

“Non-stop action” will be many events from music played by the hottest DJs to prize winners of dance contests.

The events and free entertainment will run 18 days straight from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. with 17 staff workers helping to create a fun experience at SPI. Current violence across the border has concerned many who worry about the effect on tourism, but Coca-Cola is working directly with the Visitor’s Bureau and police department at

South Padre Island to create a “safe experience for students.”

By and large, the more than 2,880 songs played each day and 15,000 free bottles of Coca-Cola will serve to help loosen those tightly knotted muscles.

Bring in the 18-wheelers of supplies and equipment to SPI! Although this is one of the biggest parties for college students to enjoy, many Broncs at UTPA were not aware of Coca-Cola Beach.

“I’ve never heard of it,” said Brenda Garcia, a junior education major, “because I never go to the beach during Spring Break.”

The rest of her five friends agreed and began explaining that although they were the kind of people to go out and party, the crowded beach isn’t their “thing.”

“We’ll go when nobody is there,” said Gracie Samaniego, a junior in nursing.

Carlo Azcueta, a freshman majoring in chemistry, was about the only person who’s heard about the big bash.

“But I know I can’t go because of my parents,” he said. “I’d go, though, just to say that I went.”

ALWAYS COCA-COLA - South Padre Island welcomes its 16th year celebrating Spring Break along with the Coca-Cola Company.

Spring Breakers will spend over $1 billion nationwide.

Sounds like it would be a good idea to attend. With classes ending tomorrow, a week without work or

dealing with last-minute homework assignments, get some sun after long months of cold weather.

March 11, 2010

ARTS AND LIFE

Page 11

Put on your Foxy Shazams and Never Say Never again

By Victor Ituarte the pan american

Zar Castillo, one of the promoters behind the Dontgetemo, said this festival has been a dream of his and his Growing up as one of a handful business partner, George Culberson, of white kids in his high school, for about five or six years.

“It’s called Never Say Never 24-year-old Eric Nally found one of the biggest influences and the name because of what we were told from for his soulful rock band, Foxy the beginning, ‘You’re never going to be able to do it. It’s really tough.

Shazam, among his friends.

“It was a term the kids used in my Don’t even try it,’” the 25-year-old school. If you had cool shoes on, they Mission native recalled.

New this year, attendees can would say you had foxy shazams,” said Nally, whose band calls Cincinnati, expect carnival rides, a vendor village featuring local shops, and, Ohio home.

In an online Tuesday chat with Castillo says,100 percent of profits Nally on AbsolutePunk.net, fans will go directly to UNICEF and the shared a unifying difficulty describing American Red Cross to benefit the Foxy’s sound to their peers, which is Haiti Relief Fund. An additional stage will aid in hosting the 40 something Nally is proud of.

My best attempt at describing bands scheduled to perform, which their music is Queen’s Freddie is up 14 artists from last year’s Mercury vocals set to fast-paced count of 26.

Anyone who piano rock with has experienced some resurrected Foxy Shazam’s soul a la James stage Brown.

“Itʼs a big thing for me can agree presence that the However taxing group puts forth it may be to relate because I want to be an unforgettable it in words, he set filled with r e c o m m e n d s the Michael Jordan of between-song listeners think banter where Nally of their favorite rockʼnʼroll. Thatʼs one of sometimes bets things to better my biggest inspirations is $20 that “none of understand their Michael Jordan, and not y’all dumb white music. people can kill “That’s just me.” what good music because heʼs a basketball “I always is, really. When player. Itʼs more just tell people that you hear it, as long the six guys as it reminds you about him being a magical onstage don’t of what you like,” have anything he said. “It can person and heʼs the best at in common with be anything from what he does. ” the six guys that your favorite food are offstage. It’s to your favorite like a different smell to your personality,” he favorite memory Eric Nally said. Some of that as a kid.” includes a much The six-man Foxy Shazam vocalist more soulful, but group is preparing looser rendition to wow the Valley of “Fresh Prince once again with of Bel-Air” a their over-the-top, energetic performance at Dontgetemo cappella while playing air-piano on Concerts’ Never Say Never Music pianist Sky White’s back. He has Festival. Now in its second year, the also been known to eat lit cigarettes all-day jamboree will be under way at on several occasions. While these the Las Palmas Race Park in Mission antics may surface for shock value, on Wednesday, March 17. Tickets are it might also be tied to the reason basketball is a prevalent motif available for $32.50 at ez-tixx.com.

drop.io/foxyepk

KILLIN’ IT - Music group Foxy Shazam will perform at the Never Say Never Festival March 17. The event will be held at Las Palmas Race Park in Mission. Fans can purchase advance tickets at dontgetemo.com. in their album art, posters, and T-shirts.

“It’s a big thing for me because I want to be the Michael Jordan of rock’n’roll. That’s one of my biggest inspirations is Michael Jordan, and not because he’s a basketball player,” Nally explained.

“It’s more just about him being a magical person and he’s the best at what he does. No one else has ever come close to having the abilities that he has, in my opinion. That basketball symbol reminds me of that everyday so that’s kind of why I keep it around. I know I’m a long way from it right now, but we won’t give up until we get there.”

And they may very well be on a fast track to it. In February, with an estimated 106.5 million pairs of ears listening, “Unstoppable,” a new track off their upcoming self-titled album, invaded airwaves during the most watched television event in history: Super Bowl XLIV.

“I always thought it would be cool to challenge myself and challenge the band to write a song specifically for something. We’re all big World Cup fans and we love soccer. Sports are always kind of cool and epic. We just set out to write a song for sports and to encourage people,” Nally explained.

He also referred to the track as a new version of the 1997 onehit wonder “Tubthumbing” by Chumbawamba. (For those scratching their heads, “I get knocked down, but I get up again. You’re never gonna keep me down.”)

“My mom would always play that for me in the car on the way to school because I’d be so tired and I’d never want to go to school, but it would always kind of encourage me and give me that extra pep throughout the day,” Nally recalled. “It’s rough to set out to write a song to be played at sporting events and for the album not even to be out yet and it’s already been played at the Super Bowl.”

Aside from Foxy Shazam, Nally co-wrote a song on Meat Loaf’s new album, “Hang Cool, Teddy Bear.” He shares the title with Justin Hawkins of The Darkness, an artist Nally’s vocal prowess has drawn comparisons to.

Following their appearance at Never Say Never, Foxy Shazam will journey to the South by Southwest music festival in Austin where they are slated to perform at Spin Magazine’s SXSW Bash in Hole’s first U.S. gig in 10 years. Other up-and-coming acts like Mike Snow, Rogue Wave, Sharon Jones and The Dap-Kings, and Fucked Up will perform as well.

Foxy Shazam’s self-titled album drops April 13 on Sire Records. You can find out more at their recently launched Web site, foxyshazam.com, or at myspace.com/foxyshazam. Follow them on Twitter @foxy_shazam.

More information about Never Say Never and the full 40-band line-up can be found at dontgetemo.com or neversayneverfestival.com.

Oscar rundown: The hurt avatar, or the really blue man group

By Victor Ituarte & Andrielle Figueroa the pan american

March 7 marked Oscars night, which was co-hosted by funny men Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin. The ceremony has always had a dreamy, whimsical touch. It is a night of beauty, talent, earned recognition, and respect. At the end of the evening it was surprising to find that the audience and television viewers were thinking, “What the hell happened?”

Except not really.

The Oscars 2010 was dubbed one of the worst ever, even though ABC averaged 41.3 million viewers. The New York Times claimed Martin and Baldwin stole material from deceased

comedians while Toronto Star’s Peter Howell started off his piece with “Worst. Oscars. Ever.” Enough said.

Much buzz was afoot as James Cameron and ex-wife Kathryn Bigelow were both up for Best Director and Best Picture. The Best Picture category had 10 films nominated for the first time since 1943.

Bigelow scored big by taking statuettes for Directing and Best Picture as well as four others, which some saw as a major flipping of the bird at her ex-hubby. With tweets and Facebook updates telling Cameron to “suck it” and applauding Bigelow for winning one for “the little guy,” you would think the stage was set for a battle of titanic (ha ha) proportions.

In fact, a look back in time will

show that the blue man-kitty group stood no chance because Best Picture nominees of the science fiction and fantasy nature are historically snubbed by the Academy. It wasn’t until the 50th annual ceremony that the first science fiction film was nominated for Best Picture. Unfortunately for budding Jedi, “Star Wars” was no match for Woody Allen’s “Annie Hall” that year. Steven Spielberg’s “E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial” was outdone by “Gandhi” in 1982 and “Raiders of the Lost Ark” lost to the now-forgotten “Chariots of Fire.”

The first two installments of The Lord of the Rings trilogy fell to a drama and a musical. It wasn’t until “Return of the King” that the Hobbits cashed in the gold ring for a gold man.

Audiences this year seem to have mistakenly thought that a big budget and major box office bank translates to a quality film. Excuse me? Did you even see “Spider-Man 3?” Financially, “The Hurt Locker” was a serious underdog to “Avatar,” but story-wise, well, let’s just say “Pocahontas in Space” or “FernGully 3000” pretty much sums up the storyline for the latter. (Sorry if that gives anything away.)

Despite “Avatar” not being a serious competitor after all, Bigelow’s wins are not to be belittled. She may have been the first female director to win recognition for her work, but let that not be what she is remembered for. “The Hurt Locker” is a truly original tale of our time.

Page 12

ARTS & LIFE

March 11, 2010

Alma Hernandez / the pan american

HELPING PAW - Barbara Bayha (left) and Jamie Whitt chat under a tree Tuesday behind the SBS building with Jaxon, Whitt’s service dog. Service dogs are typically allowed to help their handler in restaurants, hospitals, airplanes, doctor’s offices, cabs, zoos, stores, and schools. Whitt adopted Jaxon, a golden retriever/lab mix, from an animal shelter.

March 11 2010

THE PAN AMERICAn

Page 13

March 11, 2010

THE RUNDOWN Should basketball go back to basics?

By Benny Salinas 9_benny_9@live.com

One of the more distinct memories I have as a child is sitting on the living room floor with my older sisters. I’m biting the corner of a pillow I’m clutching, glued to an exceptionally old wooden television screen. My oldest sister is tapping her foot nervously, munching on a mix of Doritos and popcorn, my dad, on the couch, quiet but noticeably anxious.

It’s 1997 and there’s 48 seconds left on the clock of Game Six of the NBA Finals. We and the rest of the country are watching what could be the last game of Michael Jordan’s career. The Chicago Bulls are down 86-85 with possession of the ball, and countless Bulls fans are biting their nails, knowing this next play could be the one classic play Jordan leaves behind.

And sure enough, just after receiving the ball, from right behind the free throw line, Jordan fakes right and launches the perfect shot to win the title. Instantly in my living room the Doritos and popcorn go flying and I’m prouder than ever of the Jordan jersey I’m wearing. I tackle my sister and we’re both laughing. This is perfect.

In retrospect it may have been one of the last perfect moments in professional basketball. Maybe it’s the idealism with which a 7-year-old will look at anything, or because none of us thought Jordan would come back for an embarrassing run with the Wizards. But it all seemed so untainted then.

The Lakers’ impressive run after that was marred by very public infighting between Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neil. The Spurs’ moment in the sun, didn’t hold the same sense of history that the Bulls’ run had. Even the historic rematch between the Celtics and the Lakers in the finals two seasons ago felt too obviously commercialized and intentional to bring up any legitimate comparisons to the rivalry between those teams in the Eighties.

Basketball needs it again: an unscripted, non-commercialized pure moment in history, with all of the emotion but none of the melodrama. It’s frustrating how capable sports are of providing that when not drenched in worries over viewers, advertising, or how to best present the story journalistically.

It’s strange saying this, but if basketball and perhaps all of sports want to create to more moments like Jordan’s last game, moments that people form true emotional ties to, it needs to become more media un-savvy. It needs to ignore the way the public perceives it and its players and stop telling that public when those moments will occur. It needs to stop fining its players $10,000 for not talking to the press. It needs to lose its own pretentious sense of history.

If basketball wants to be truly perfect and legendary once more, it needs to become a basketball association again.

14

Tennis steps it up, wins 3 in a week

By Benny Salinas 9_benny_9@live.com

Despite the rainy weather, victory was not out of reach for the Bronc tennis team this week during their stops in Corpus Christi and San Antonio. After a swift 6-1 victory against DePaul University March 3, in Corpus, the Broncs faced an undefeated St. Louis team on Sunday, beating it 4-3.

“I’m really proud of these guys,” head men’s tennis coach Chris Taylor said. “Coming out with some wins gives these guys a lot of confidence going into later games.”

Following these games, the Broncs will head to Thibodaux, La., to face off against Nicholls State March 20, and then stay instate the next day to play Xavier and New Orleans in The Big Easy on the following day.

The Bronc game against DePaul was a confidence booster for a team that Taylor said was beginning to lose its confidence after so many close losses. This raises their record to 4-7.

“We knew going into this game that DePaul was a good team, one of the best in the country in fact,” Taylor said. “But we knew that if we play to our potential we’re also one of the best.

We stayed focus and after a win in the doubles competition the momentum just sort of carried into the singles.”

The Broncs won their doubles point with wins from Beau and Brett Bernstein, who took their match 8-6, and the Vijayaragavan/Mohinta team, which won 8-5. Following the doubles competition, the Broncs went on to win every singles event except one, a close match between junior Aswin Vi-

jayaragavan and Bartosz Jozwia which UTPA lost 3-6, 6-4, 1-0 (8).

After that game the Broncs travelled to San Antonio on Saturday and made quick work of St. Mary’s, triumphing 6-1 once again.

“We looked at Saturday’s game as more of a warm up,” Taylor said.

“I don’t mean that as a discredit to St. Mary’s, they’re a good team, but there’s no way we were going to lose to a Division 2 school.”

Following that game they went up against St. Louis at the John Newcombe Tennis Academy in San Antonio, a game that was initially set to happen at the St. Mary’s Tennis Center but was moved due to the rain. That move ended up being quite a surprise for the Broncs, who had prepared for an outdoor St. Louis team.

“Our Saturday event was early so we watched the St. Louis game in the evening and took notes on their style,” Taylor said. “But when the match got moved to an indoor venue, we were totally unprepared. They were a completely different team indoors.”

Despite the surprise, the Broncs were able to pull out a win, 4-3. In doubles competition, once again the Bernstein brothers and the Vijayaragavan/Mohinta team was able to win the double’s point, 8-3 and 8-1, respectively. The teams split singles competition, winning three matches each, with Brett Bernstein, Marcus Dornauf and Andrew Irving winning their matches in three games.

“The guys did a really good job this week,” Taylor said. “Not only are they very talented they’re also very intelligent and it shows on the field.”

Daniel Flores/THE PAN AMERICAN

LOOKING GOOD - Senior Nirvick Mohinta returns a serve Monday morning at the Orville Cox Tennis Court. He and junior Aswin Vijayaragavan won their doubles matches against DePaul and St. Louis.

Women’s basketball fired up for GWC tourney

By Alvaro Balderas Alvaro_tx@msn.com

After starting the year 0-8 it seemed that the University of Texas-Pan American women’s basketball season was going to be a bust.

Playing under first-year head coach Denny Downing’s new system may have raised red flags in the beginning but those flags went down at the turn of the year. The Lady Broncs turned it around, finishing the season 10-4, helping them attain the second best record in the Great West Conference (12-16 overall, 8-4 in league).

UTPA ended the regular season on the road last weekend beating The University of South Dakota 57-56 Thursday and losing to No. 1 University of North Dakota 101-61 Friday.

Downing’s idea at the beginning of the season of winning all home games and splitting the road ones is something his team accomplished and now the Lady Broncs are one of the favorites going into the conference tournament, which

against the Lady Huskies, having beatstarts today in Orem Utah.

“Getting that win versus South Da- en them on both occasions this season, kota was huge because it gave us the second GWC honors Broncs and Lady Broncs seed going into the tournament,” Women’s basketball Downing said.

Second Team All-Conference Aleeya Grigsby “Splitting games Bianca Torre on the road is big Newcomer of the Year Bianca Torre and this year it’s Honorable Mention Rose Esther Jean put us in a good Defensive Player of the Year Rose Esther Jean position. We can say we’re better Men’s basketball than five other All-Newcomer Team Aaron Urbanus teams in the con- Honorable Mention Jared Maree ference.’

Luis Valera So what is Nick Weiermiller UTPA expecting in the tournament? The brackets are set and the 79-66 at home and 77-76 at Houston. women will face No. 7 Houston Bap- But even with odds in their favor tist University in first game; a win there Downing is not taking HBU lightly.

“It’s always tough to beat a team would mean a night’s work against the winner between No. 3 Chicago State three times,” he stressed. “I’m sure for them they’ve been waiting for this and No. 6 Utah Valley.

The Lady Broncs are favored tournament and they’re going to be in-

spired. Being the second seed we have a target on our back. Teams are going to want and upset us. We’re going to have to match their intensity and play well. We want to get to the championship game but to that we have to take it one game at a time.”

The chances of UTPA coming out as champion are unpredictable. As Downing admits, when it comes down to the emotions of playing for a conference championship, no team ever knows what can happen.

But senior Rose Esther Jean said she knows one thing is for certain: in order for them to come out on top they have to play their game. When asked who she thought is going to be the hardest opponent she replied with a clever line.

“The hardest team we’re going to face is us,” the Missouri City native said. “Honestly I don’t think there’s any team that can hang with us because of our speed. If we don’t do what we have to do were going to make it hard for ourselves but if we do we should be coming back No. 1.”

March 11, 2010

Page 15

SPORTS

UTPA baseball defeats Notre Dame twice with high spirits. But Mantrana made clear that the focus goes beyond every single win.

“We have a long season, this is just one game,” he said. “Win or lose, we have to come back, we have to be able to handle the big wins and the big loses.”

The UTPA baseball team concluded the two-game series defeating the Fighting Irish 10-4 last night.

Norma Gonzalez/THE PAN AMERICAN

SWING, SWING, SWING - Junior Doug Roth hits at the beginning of the game against Notre Dame yesterday.

The Broncs defeated the Fighting Irish Tuesday and Wednesday, 9-7 and 10-4.

By Sara Hernandez Sarahdzm@hotmail.com There was a different feeling in the Edinburg Baseball Stadium Tuesday night. The stands were packed and the crowd was loud while the University of Texas-Pan American baseball team (7-3) defeated the Notre Dame 9-7 in the first of two games against the Fighting Irish.

“We played very well, we played together, we fought back so it’s good to see that we’re a top team,” said left handed pitcher Kyle Kotchie, who

pitched for the second time this season on Tuesday.

The two teams maintained the fans’ excitement as they waged a battle with accurate pitching and good offense. But Notre Dame surrendered in the bottom of the seventh inning when UTPA catcher Alex San Juan hit one down the right-field line allowing freshman Angel Ibanez and sophomore Vincent Mejia to score for an 8-6 UTPA lead. An insurance run in the next inning would secure the win for the Broncs.

“The boys played well, Troy Green

did an outstanding job…we were behind and he put up zeros on the score board, so he’s a big reason why we were able to come back,” head coach Manny Mantrana said.

Green took the win, pitching 4.2 innings or relief, allowing only two hits and one run. On the offensive side, freshman left fielder Bryan Elliot scored three runs, and designated hitter Abraham Garcia scored twice.

Following a quick celebration for Mejia’s birthday after defeating an important opponent, the Broncs’ satisfaction was evident as they left the field

LOUISIANA TECH After having kicked off the 2010 season sweeping the Al Ogletree Classic and falling just 3-2 against No. 3 University of Texas, the program began a 12-game homestand last weekend with a three-game series against Louisiana Tech, which the Broncs finished 1-2. The stand continued Tuesday and Wednesday against Notre Dame University, with a crowd of almost 1,400 for the opener.

It looked like the Broncs had something to prove Sunday afternoon.

UTPA closed the series tearing down Louisiana Tech 23-7.

“We came through, we didn’t want to lose all four games so we came out fighting, we came out strong,” said second baseman Ibanez, who went 4 for 5 and raised his average to .439.

The Broncs started early with three runs in the first inning and stayed consistent throughout the game. The Bulldogs weren’t able to score until the fourth, but even then their efforts were not sufficient to shrink the 11-point gap at the time.

Everything seemed to work out Sunday afternoon.

“Our starting pitcher was outstanding, we pitched very well and all our offensive players did a good job too,” Mantrana said after Hayden Daugh-

erty pitched well.

The Broncs lost the first two games of the series 10-8 and 9-5, but the outcome was not necessarily bad for them. Now the team will have a chance to stay at home for two weeks and face Stephen F. Austin and the University of Iowa. They want the chance to work on details that a team cannot always accomplish on the road.

“The past two games were very good, we had a chance to win, but just didn’t come up with big hits,” Mantrana said. “We have to clean up a lot of things that we’re not doing well.

That’s what practice time is going to be used for…fix them so when we start playing again we’re able to do that.”

UTPA fell behind Friday evening, and by the fourth inning, was losing 8-1. However, the Broncs worked their way up and tied the score 8-8 in the seventh. Unfortunately, the Bulldogs had a strong closing with two runs in the ninth inning.

Saturday was heartbreaking for Bronc fans. After leading 3-1 in the fifth, the home team gave up three in that frame and the game was tied in the sixth at 5-5. It went into extra innings with Tech getting four in the 13th to win.

Although the team wasn’t able to pull off the wins, the success with which the group was able to finish the series leaves the players with confidence that things are working out.

“Everybody played well, everybody executed, pitching went well, so everything fell in its place today,” Garcia said. “We did play some pretty competitive games Friday and Saturday, but it just didn’t go our way.”

Stephen F. Austin will visit Edinburg Baseball Stadium for a double header that starts at 3 p.m. March 16.

Broncs head to GWC tournament after beating North Dakota

By Alvaro Balderas Alvaro_tx@msn.com

The University of Texas-Pan American men’s basketball team finished the regular season in last place by splitting its final two games last weekend on the road against the universities of South and North Dakota.

Even though that may not seem all that great, head coach Ryan Marks and his team believe their performances in the Dakotas give them the confidence needed to play well going into the Great West Conference tournament, in which the Broncs won the firstround game 56-53 against Utah Valley yesterday.

The Broncs fell short 85-79 in overtime to USD Thursday but bounced back with a 71-68 win Saturday against UND. “Collectively we feel like we’re playing pretty good basketball.

Getting the win against North Dakota was big for us considering the travel, environment and the hard fought loss we had on Friday,” Marks said. “In other conferences a lot of times it’s lopsided from the top teams to the bottom ones, but I literally feel every team in our conference has a legitimate chance to win the tournament. We’re excited about the opportunity.”

Marks may have a point as his Broncs (5-26 regular season, 4-8 conference) have lost by six points or fewer three out of four times versus the top two teams in the league this season. Other than No. 1 seed USD (19-9,10-1) and No. 2 Houston Baptist University (10-20, 9-3), the five other teams in the GWC are separated by just one game, which promises a tight competitive tournament.

A good example of how unpredictable the tournament may turn out: for the Broncs’ sake, the favorite (USD) going in has been

taken to the limit by UTPA in both encounters, a slim 72-71 loss at the Field House and the 85-79 overtime loss Thursday.

Standout newcomer Aaron Urbanus believes the Broncs have as good a chance of winning the tournament championship as any team.

“I don’t know who we’re playing first but it doesn’t really matter,” said Urbanus, who leads UTPA in scoring (14 ppg) in conference play. “We think we can beat anybody any given day. No one is really that much better than the others in this conference.

We’re all really confident going into it and we’re ready to make a run to see if we can win it.”

Even though record-wise the Broncs finished in last, they are a middle of the pack team in almost every statistical category, including fourth in offense (69 points per) and fifth in defense (69 points per).

SWEET AND SOUR Although UTPA kept it close for the entire game including overtime, Coyote Tyler Cain’s 34 points, 17 rebounds, seven blocks and five steals was just too much for the Broncs Thursday as they lost 85-79 at the DakotaDome in Vermillion, S.D. Foul trouble for UTPA became a problem in OT. Not only was Pan Am’s front line in trouble playing with four fouls a man, but the Broncs also sent the Coyotes to the line 12 times.

The Coyotes scored 11 of their 19 OT points from the charity stripe.

“That’s an awful lot in a fiveminute stretch,” first-year coach Marks said. “I think we played well enough to win. The foul trouble took a little bit away from our defense aggressiveness in overtime. Their center played a magnificent game. Give him a lot of credit, he was a big difference for them on both ends of the floor.”

Urbanus led the Broncs with 15

NOTE: In last week’s The Pan American, the name “Prairie View A&M” was misprinted as “Texas A&M-Prairie View.”

points while junior Nick Weiermiller scored 14 and dished out eight assists.

Senior Luis Valera helped with 10 and five rebounds.

The Broncs finished the season on a high note beating UND 71-68 at the Sioux Center in Grand Forks, N.D. In a game that saw each team answer runs when it seemed that either one could put it away, the night culminated in UTPA’s favor as it held off UND’s rally at the end, defending a potential game-tying three from the Sioux.

Juniors Manny Hendrix (14 points) and Julius Hearn (10 points) had solid outings for the Broncs. Urbanus scored a game high 19 points with 14 in the first half.

“They gave us open shots and I was able to make some,” the freshman guard said. “They were on me a little bit more in the second but others stepped up for the big win. I’m really glad we got the win because it gives momentum going into the tournament.”

March 11, 2010

16

Keeping Broncs healthy since 1980 He’s the man...

“He’s very knowledgeable about all injuries and knows how to strengthen us to help us perform at our best.”

Cindy Velasquez Track & Field / freshman

“We (the women’s tennis team) think Jim is very dedicated to the student-athletes and he makes himself available 24/7. He goes over and beyond his job description” Sarah Burton Tennis / senior

“I always appreciate all the time and effort that Jim takes to care for all the student-athletes. ...he does a great job getting us healthy after injuries” Cassandra Trevino Volleyball / junior

“He’s an exceptional human being; he has been doing his work well and goes beyond for his athletes. He truly takes a lot of pride in his work.”

Alma Hernandez/THE PAN AMERICAN

HE’S GOT OUR BACK - As in every home event, Jim Lancaster was there last weekend to assist the baseball team against Louisiana Tech.

Abraham Garcia Baseball / senior

After trying out different sports and working with big-time athletes at UT, Jim Lancaster came to UTPA to stay. For 30 years, he has been the person every athlete turns to when things go wrong.

By Neena Hernandez nhernandez23@broncs.utpa.edu He’s seen Pan American University become a UT branch, he’s been through four presidents at the university, and he’s worked with countless number of student-athletes and coaches throughout 30 years in town.

Jim Lancaster had a hard time making a name for himself in high school, especially in athletics. At MacArthur High School in San Antonio, he first tried out for basketball his freshman year with no experience in the sport. A former “last kid” picked during games, Lancaster didn’t make the final cut for the team. He was feeling down and wanted to be part of something; his history teacher, also an athletic trainer, asked if Lancaster wanted to help out and be part of athletics without playing on a team.

That’s where it all started for Lancaster, now UTPA’s associate athletic director for sports medicine. With that high school experience he went on to graduate from The University of Texas in Austin

in 1980 with a degree in kinesiology. During his schooling in Austin, Lancaster worked with legends Frank Medina and Spanky Stevens as the student athletic trainer for the Longhorn men’s basketball team in 1978. He then made his way to the Rio Grande Valley, becoming Pan American’s head athletic trainer while working on his master’s degree.

His experience is on display in a small cluttered room filled with awards, pictures, and acknowledgements from his career. A picture of Jim Hickey, a former PAU star pitcher and now the pitching coach for the Tampa Bay Rays, hangs next to a picture of former presidents Blandina Cardenas and Miguel Nevarez, showing what great rewards come from hard work and dedication.

“Retire? Shoot the job will probably kill me,” said Lancaster jokingly. “I don’t think I can retire any time soon, but I’d like to slow down.

But the only way I can do that is if I get more assistants and spread the responsibilities so I don’t have to do as much; I’m no spring chicken anymore.”

A fixture on the Bronc sports scene through thick and thin, Lancaster said that as long as he keeps getting a kick out of the work, he’ll keep rolling.

“I enjoy what I do. I enjoy working with the young people,” he said.

OTHER PURSUITS Along with his duties working with student-athlete training at the collegiate level, he used to lend his hand and sharpen skills as the medical coordinator for a federally funded program called the National Youth Sports Program held at UTPA for the past twenty-five years. Dropped five years ago, the NYSP was sponsored by the NCAA and welcomed kids ages 10-16 for a summer of sports activities. It was free and saw over 700 kids a year.

The reason for the demise of the NYSP was funding.

“The U.S. spent a lot of money on war machines after the second Gulf War and they had to look at ways to cut costs,” Lancaster explained, suggesting that in other words, it was either funding colleges across the country for a pro-

gram that will take care of kids in the summer, keeping them in shape and out of trouble, or taking away the their funding to purchase stealth bombers.

Throughout the years, Lancaster has seen many student trainers come in with the will to learn and love what becoming an athletic trainer has in store. He’s privileged to say that many of his protégés have gone to become head athletic trainers in high schools all across the Rio Grande Valley. He will also note with pride the handful of exes that have made their way into jobs with well known sports teams.

“I’ve got one of my ex students who is the head trainer at Southeast Missouri State, I’ve got one who is the trainer for the RGV Vipers, and I always brag about Mike Mancias, who is the assistant trainer for the Cleveland Cavaliers,” he said. “He works directly with Lebron James every day. All of them were local Valley kids.”

Joe Resendez, athletic trainer and strength and conditioning coach for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, interned with Lancaster from 2000-

2003 and highly respects him for the wisdom the veteran passed on.

“He taught me all I needed to know and how to get my career started. He was basically a big mentor,” Resendez recalled. “I’m so appreciative for his help. I wouldn’t be where I am without him. I appreciate all the hard work he put in to help me achieve what I wanted to achieve.”

It doesn’t look like Lancaster will retire any time soon. He’s still up and out with the players at almost every home game and shows that his dedication to athletes mirrors that of the players to their sports.

“There is not one athlete out there that isn’t playing through pain. The Division I level is very rigorous, very tough, they’re going to get hurt, we just try to keep it through a minimum,” he commented. “I still love going out there; I love the excitement of the games and being out there on the sidelines. I have a hard time watching games from the stands because I’ve been on the sidelines all the time. I’m enjoying what the kids are enjoying.”